syllabus

MOVEMENT AND RHYTHMIC TRAINING:

PERSONAL PERFORMANCE: Development of movement quality and range according to individual potential. Training in economy of effort incorporating changes in dynamics and rhythm to encourage efficient use of the body.
MEDAU BREATHING MOVEMENT: Experience and understanding of the way in which certain positions and movements can be used to influence the flow of breathing. This in turn leads to an improvement in the quality and range of movement.
THE USE OF SMALL APPARATUS: Development of movement technique and handling skills appropriate to the particular apparatus - eg ball, club, hoop.
DEVELOPMENT OF RHYTHMIC AWARENESS AND RESPONSE: Awareness of the influence of rhythmic variety on the dynamics and flow of movement.
MELODY, HARMONY, RHYTHM AND FORM: Basic understanding of beats, time, rhythm and phrasing and of their relationship to the musical outlines of movement. Encouragement in the widening of musical knowledge and appreciation. Ear training.

TEACHING RESOURCES:

APPARATUS AS AN AID TO MOVEMENT: Use of a variety of apparatus as a resource to influence movement quality and range. Understanding of various properties and how to exploit them.
USE OF THE VOICE: Coaching in the suitability of dynamics and pitch. Guidance in the selection and use of descriptive words and sounds.
PERCUSSION: Practical experience of a variety of percussion instruments to enlarge the range of sound texture; technique and dynamics.
THE USE OF RECORDED MUSIC: Exposure to a wide range of available material. Selection of appropriate music to aid quality and range of specific movements. Advice on licensing requirements, choice of audio equipment and techniques for optimum use. Advice on building a comprehensive and suitable sound library. The effect of mood, melody and underlying rhythmic patterns. The importance of phrasing and cueing.

TEACHING SKILLS:

TEACHING STRATEGIES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES: Training in teaching skills and effective communication; recognition of the learning process. Demonstration and explanation; effective use of teaching/learning resources. Development of movement themes from observation.
OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT: Development of the 'seeing eye'. Practice in observing the group and the individual; identifying needs and selecting priorities; assessing improvement and ultimate levels of achievement and creativity. Training in self and peer assessment and evaluation.
LESSON PLANNING AND SCHEMES OF WORK: Guidance in the planning and practical preparation of a safe and balanced lesson, with clearly defined aims and objectives, showing a logical progression and containing material appropriate to the needs of the group and of the individuals within it. Advice on planning schemes of work.
TEACHING PRACTICE: Experience in building up movement individually within the peer group leading to group teaching and work with a representative class. Individual in-service assessment and tutorials.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION: Development of the ability to assess teaching effectiveness; monitor and evaluate student progress; peer assessment.
ADAPTATION OF WORK TO SUIT DIFFERENT AGE AND ABILITY GROUPS: Development of a flexible approach and the ability to adapt class organisation, lesson planning and delivery to meet specific individual and group needs.
PERSONAL PRESENTATION: Image and attitude. Teaching styles. Professional relationship with employers, colleagues and class members.
PORTFOLIO BUILDING: A methodical approach to a personal training record. The collection of effective evidence of achievement and competence. Compilation of course notes and related data.
CLASS MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION: Starting a class; marketing, publicity and administration; enrolment, registers, finance, insurance and claim forms. Knowing your group. Health and safety procedures and legal requirements. Working in local authority and private settings.
PROMOTION OF MEDAU MOVEMENT: Guidance on the presentation of lecture-demonstrations and open classes; organisation of rallies. Aspects of publicity. Promotion of Society registration.

UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE:

PRINCIPLES AND AIMS OF MEDAU MOVEMENT: Comprehension and analysis of Medau priorities and identity; the importance of rhythm; the interplay between tension and relaxation in achieving co-ordination and economy of effort. The role of 'swing' and 'spring' in rhythmic movement.
ADULTS LEARNING: Principles of adult learning. Consideration of the motivation and expectations of adults in continuing education; physical, psychological and social needs. Awareness of student/teacher roles. Relevant theories of Maslow, Bloom and Kolb and their application.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: Basic understanding of the body and how it works; structure and function of the skeleton, joints and muscles; the cardio-vascular, respiratory, nervous and digestive systems; the effect of exercise. The importance of the fitness elements in everyday living.
PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN MOVEMENT: Practical application of theoretical knowledge; gravity, balance and leverage related to movement; awareness of the benefits of relaxation; understanding of correct body alignment, common postural faults and of contra-indicated exercises.
FIRST AID: Theoretical and practical knowledge of dealing with emergencies and minor accidents. Preparation of a relevant First Aid Box.
HISTORY, DEVELOPMENT AND FUTURE ROLE OF THE MEDAU SOCIETY: Knowledge of the origins and development of Medau Movement; formation of the Medau Society; its constitution, organisation and administration. Awareness of the changing role of women and of life long learning.
COMPARATIVE MOVEMENT STUDIES: A broad knowledge of the work of other movement and dance organisations with some practical experience. Access to information on sport and other fitness activities.
STATUTORY, VOLUNTARY AND RELATED BODIES: Knowledge of the role and resources of the Sports Councils, the Central Council of Physical Recreation and relevant Local Authority departments. Awareness of current attitudes towards fitness, health and leisure, and of relevant issues such as legislation and campaigns.